Autophagy happens naturally, but some scientists believe strategies to induce autophagy may help with longevity, weight loss, and the prevention of certain chronic diseases. Some ways to induce autophagy include fasting, caloric restriction, eating a low-carbohydrate diet, and exercising.
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Research into these benefits is still in the very early stages, and further work is needed to understand the impacts of autophagy on health.
1. Longevity
Your cells’ ability to carry out autophagy is thought to decline with age.
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“As we age, the autophagy machinery starts to decrease in abundance and functionality,” Gottlieb explains. “It’s harder to turn it on, and it doesn’t work as well overall. So, it’s been suggested that being able to restore that machinery or maintain autophagy throughout life would diminish the rate of aging or increase our health span.”
Some animal studies have found that inducing autophagy is associated with extended lifespan and improved health, though it’s unclear whether this occurs in humans too.
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2. Weight Loss
There is currently no evidence to show that inducing autophagy directly increases weight loss; however, some research suggests that the process may impact the hormones that control hunger, like ghrelin, insulin, and glucagon, says Kelly Kennedy, RDN, LDN, formerly a dietitian with Everyday Health.
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“As a result, autophagy may decrease hunger and indirectly contribute to weight loss,” says Kennedy. Methods meant to induce autophagy, such as caloric restriction, may also contribute to weight loss, but this is not always the most sustainable and healthy way to lose weight.
3. Chronic Disease Prevention
Studies have found that, along with aging, the dysregulation of autophagy may be associated with certain chronic diseases, including:
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Because of these findings, scientists are researching whether autophagy induction is a useful tool in preventing or treating these chronic diseases.
